Police mistake parts of 3D printer for a gun

The objects found and seized by police in the Greater Manchester area were likely parts of a 3D printer and not weapon components as claimed initially.

Just hours after releasing the first shocking statement claiming to have found the UK’s first 3D printed weapon, heralding the onset of the new era of next generation 3D printed weapons, the Greater Manchester Police has toned down the declaration.

"We need to be absolutely clear that, at this stage, we cannot categorically say we have recovered the component parts for a 3D gun," said Assistant Chief Constable Steve Heywood.

The second statement came as the owner of the 3D printing shop in question spoke to the media, maintaining his innocence.

After being released on bail, the 38 year old shop owner said the seized parts were nothing but parts of the 3D printing machine itself. He said he is using the device to print models and toys, trying to build up a business.

The officers also took the shop owner’s two air-rifles and an air-pistol, together with a 3D printed model of a Smith and Wesson gun he was making, which was nothing more than a harmless gun firing rubber bands. All those objects were taken by the police as evidence.

"I'm angry, disappointed and hurt. This could kill me, this could threaten the business,” said the affected shop-owner.

"I was sitting here yesterday morning and I saw police officers coming to the door. I just thought it was a customer. We have officers who are customers. They came in and said 'We have got a warrant to search this premises'. They accused me of making gun parts," he said.